Nashoba sophomores learn financial reality

About 250 sophomores at Nashoba Regional High School learned a little more about life ahead of them in the high school’s fifth annual financial Reality Fair on April 28.

Organized by the Rotary Club of Nashoba Valley with support from the high school’s guidance department and Clinton Savings Banks, the Reality Fair presented a financial learning experience for all 10th grade students in an interactive format. As part of their career exploration curriculum, the students researched a career and related salary and were presented with a monthly paystub, complete with taxes and student loans. The students had to use their net earnings to purchase housing, utilities, insurance, transportation, food, clothing and other personal items. They also had to address 401(k) contributions, entertainment and recreation temptations, and a spin on the Wheel of Fortune, which represented life’s unexpected windfalls and financial fortunes or misfortunes.

“All of the students seemed to learn something from this experience,” said Laura Spear, a member of the Rotary Club of Nashoba Valley and the event organizer. “Our volunteers enjoyed working with the students and seeing the light bulb ‘turn on’ when the students realized how quickly they can spend their paycheck.”

About 50 volunteers from local businesses, the community, and various Rotary clubs staffed service tables to help teach the students the reality of financial management.

“This is our fifth year of sponsoring the Reality Fair,“ said Club President Chris Spear. “We were told that this event is now a tradition at the high school, something the students look forward to and remember as a highlight of their high school years. I also really appreciate our partnership with the high school and Clinton Savings Bank to make this life-changing program a success.”

The Nashoba Valley club serves the towns of Lancaster, Bolton and Stow. For more information about club: info@nashobarotary.org; http://nashobarotary.org.